Zephyrs rally past Sky Sox in 8th

Zephyrs second baseman Taylor Harbin, who came into the game with a .063 batting average, hit a two-run single that keyed a six-run, eighth-inning outburst Tuesday at Zephyr Field.

The victory gave New Orleans a split of the four-game series with Colorado Springs.

After Harbin’s single against reliever Greg Burke gave the Zephyrs a 3-2 lead, Justin Bour hit a three-run homer into the pool behind the right-field wall. Brian Bogusevic, who led off the inning with a single, then singled in Josh Rodriguez.

Last season, Zephyrs closer Chris Hatcher tied the Pacific Coast League saves record with 33 and was selected to the All-Star team. But this season, a different role has been outlined for him. Instead of coming in in the eighth or ninth to close, the plan is for Hatcher to pitch more innings.

“I think (Miami’s) Steve Cishek is the epitome of what a closer should be,” said Marty Scott, the Marlins’ vice president for player development. “We went into this season with the game plan of taking all our relievers and getting them more accustomed to, if they get called up, a role they might be used in as a big leaguer.”

That may take some getting used to for Hatcher. But so far, things have been similar to his old job. He finished Tuesday’s victory with a scoreless ninth, but it wasn’t a save situation.

“It is what it is,” he said. “If you don’t like it, it doesn’t matter — whatever it takes to get back to the majors.”

Extra bases

Former Negro Leaguer Herb Simpson and Jack Lind, a minor leaguer who had a short stint in the majors, will be inducted into the New Orleans Professional Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday. There will be an on-field presentation during the game against Omaha. … Tuesday was school day/D.A.R.E day. Attendance was 4,133, most of them children. … Zephyrs third baseman Zack Cox missed Tuesday’s game with back spasms. Rodriguez, who mostly plays second, was at third.